My friend Rus came into town and brought a half-dozen Americana root beer bottles (full) for me.
Judging between these two is like picking a favorite child. You may have one, but you’ll never say anything. But I’m going to say something anyway.
I drank from each of the two brands while eating alternatively a pepper dish (“Beef a la Sichuan” from P.F. Chang’s) and a curry dish (pineapple curry from Thai Chili Gardens).
Americana is obviously more heavily flavored when you drink it, a somewhat fruity nose. Sprecher is subtle, sweet, and mellow.
Sprecher went much better with the pepper dish; no screaming “I am Root Beer!” while you’re drinking it. For the curry, it was a toss-up. Either beverage felt fine.
Afterward, letting my palate cool a bit, I tried them both again just as standalone beverages, and this is where I can’t make up my mind. As with all root beers, they’re strikingly different and seem to fit different ecological niches.
Americana has a beautiful and strong flowery/fruity feel to it, like eating concord grapes off the vine. I think I’d take Americana to parties because it’s a showy (and impressive) drink. Sprecher is subtle and quiet, but solid. The honey and vanilla base are blended perfectly (in my opinion) and suitable for any purpose.
Surprised as I am by this, I think I’m going to give Sprecher the edge between tht two, but with an asterisk that would indicate not at all times nor in all places.
I’ve also realized that a simple scalar value for grading the drink is somewhat folly, but I need some kind of way to discern without worrying about 6 or 7 variables. shrug
If I figure something else out, I’ll update my pages.
© 2007 Scott Wiersdorf